Preschool and Beyond

Lisa Murphy, author of Play: The Foundation of Children's Learning and founder and CEO of Ooey Gooey, Inc. joins us for Part 2 of our discussion on the importance of play and how to incorporate into the daily lives of children.

Rae Pica returns for a conversation with Mike about her new book, Acting Out: Avoid Behavior Challenges with Active Learning Games and Activities. They discuss why children need movement and play, and the positive effects they have on learning and behavior. Show Notes: www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.comFacebook: Facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

North Carolina Senator Jeff Jackson joins us to discuss why it is important for parents, educators, and community members to advocate for early childhood education. We talk about ways to bring awareness to the issue and how to help influence policy at the state and local level.

Lisa Murphy, author of Play: The Foundation of Children's Learning and founder and CEO of Ooey Gooey, Inc, joins us to discuss why play should be an essential element of every child's day. In Part 1, we discuss what playful learning looks like and the many ways it benefits children.

Authors Darlene Sweetland and Ron Stolberg join us to talk about their book Teaching Kids to Think: Raising Confident, Independent, and Thoughtful Children in an Age of Instant Gratification. We discuss ways families can begin to implement the strategies and recommendations from the book to help them raise children to become independent, thoughtful, and able to solve their own problems. Show Noteswww.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.comFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Blaire Malkin, an attorney at Mountain State Justice, joins us to talk about the legal rights of students and their families. We discuss how to advocate for your child, what types of services and supports are available, and how to access them and more.

Dr. Gail Joseph joins us to discuss the importance of helping build your child's emotional vocabulary during the preschool years. Dr. Joseph is the Bezos Family Foundation Distinguished Professor in Early Learning at the University of Washington.Show Page:www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.comFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Author and education consultant, Rae Pica, discusses topics from her book,What If Everybody Understood Child Development?: Straight Talk About Improving Education and Children’s Lives. Topics including the importance of active learning and play, learning through failure. and developing intrinsic motivation.

Ashley Steel joins us to share tips for successful family travel. Ashely and her husband, Bill Richards, are the authors of "Family on the Loose: The Art of Traveling with Kids," and "100 Tips for Traveling with Kids in Europe."Topics discussed include:* Preparing your child for the trip* Airplane tips* Planning your itinerary* Eating and sleeping on vacation* Creating a travel journalShow Page: www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcastfacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Jen Lumanlan, host of the Your Parenting Mojo podcast, joins us to discuss ways parents can help prepare their child for school. Topics discussed include:* Common challenges transitioning to school* Developing self-regulation skills* Parent participation at school* Encouraging intrinsic motivation* Research on student learningShow Page: www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.comFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Dr. Tina Payne Bryson returns to the podcast to discuss the new book she has co-written with Dr. Dan Siegel, The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child.Topics Discussed Include:* Fundamentals of the Yes Brain* Teaching children to recognize their emotions* Supporting children through challenging situations* Handling disappointment* Perspective taking and empathyShow Page: www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.comFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Rebecca Cohen shares ideas for outdoor adventures for spring and summer from her book, Fifteen Minutes Outside: 365 Ways to Get Out of the House and Connect with Your Kids. Topics discussed include:* Benefits of outdoor play* Playing in the rain* How to start a garden* Learning through outdoor play* Favorite spring and summer activitiesShow Page: www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

This compilation episodes brings together some of the best strategies our guests have shared for promoting positive behavior in children. The episode provides 10 strategies families can start implementing today.

Adam Beck, founder of the blog Bilingual Monkeys, and author of Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability, joins us to discusses strategies for successfully raising a bilingual child. Topics discuss include:* Benefits to raising a bilingual child* Common Challenges* Using language to connect with children* Making learning a language fun* Finding language resourcesShow Page: http://www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Family therapist and best-selling author, Susan Stiffelman shares ideas on how parents can create a strong and healthy relationship with their child, gain greater cooperation, and help their child manage frustrations and struggles.

Speech-language pathologist, Jill Odle, joins us to discuss how a child's language develops through the preschool years. We look at common concerns of parents of preschoolers in language development, strategies for improving your child's communication skills, and early interventions. Show Notes: www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcastfacebook: www.facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Heather Spohr joins us to discuss strategies for successfully making it through the toddler years with your child. Heather and her husband, Mike, are the authors of The Toddler Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Whiny Unfed. The book combines humor with practical advice for parents of toddlers. Episode Topics include:Preparing your home for toddlersSocializing children for schoolTraveling with toddlersGoing out to eat with kidsVisiting RelativesShow Page: http://www.discoverychilddevleopmentcenter.com/podcastfacebook - facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Brendan Mahan joins us to discuss ADHD during the preschool years. We talk about what ADHD looks like in preschoolers, early intervention, and parenting strategies for children who have, or may have ADHD. Brendan is an ADHD/Executive Function consultant/coach, and is the host of the ADHD Essentials podcast.Show Page - www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcastfacebook - facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Registered dietician nutritionist, Liz Weiss joins us to discuss tips and tricks for creating healthy and enjoyable family meals. Liz hosts the cooking podcast and blog, Liz' Healthy Table, and she is the author of the books several cookbooks including No Whine with Dinner and the coloring e-book series, Color, Cook, Eat!Episode Topics include:Importance of family dinnersTime saving meal prep strategiesIntroducing new foods to childrenMeal planning and dinner ideasInvolving children in cooking Show Page - www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcast.comfacebook - facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Psychologist Dr. Kristen Wynns returns to the podcast to discuss her new book, The No Wimpy Parenting Handbook. Dr. Wynns shares strategies for parents feeling frustrated, helpless or stressed, on how they can change the dynamics in their homes, and become confident and empowered again.

Lara Kehle joins us to talk about the importance of learning self-regulation, and she discusses strategies to help children develop skills to manage their bodies, emotions, and maintain their focus and attention. Lara is an early childhood mental health consultant in Chatham County, North Carolina.

Dr. Marie-Claire Arrieta, co-author of Let Them Eat Dirt, joins us to discuss the dangers of raising children in an oversanitized environment, and what new scientific research teaches us about ways that we can help keep our children healthy.

Dr. Suzanne Bouffard, author of The Most Important Year: Pre-Kindergarten and the Future of Our Children, joins us to discuss her research studying pre-K classrooms, and why high quality programs are so valuable to children and families.

Season 2 Premiere - Psychologist Dr. Kristen Wynns of Wynns Family Psychology joins us to discuss the process of early entry into kindergarten, as well as factors parents should weigh when considering early entry for their child.Show Page - www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcastfacebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Dr. Laura Markham, author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings, and founder of Aha! Parenting, joins us to discuss ways parents can help support the development of positive relationships between siblings. Show Notes: http://www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Dr. Heather Lampel of the Cary Dermatology Center joins us to discuss how to keep children safe while they are outdoors enjoying the sun.Show Page - www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcastFacebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Sarah Coeyman returns to Discovery Child Development Center to discuss how families can get the most out of their parent teacher conferences during both the preschool and elementary school years.

Mike is joined by kindergarten teachers Aileen Clougherty and Scott Larson from Central Park School for Children in Durham, NC. They discuss ways to prepare children for the start of kindergarten, and how parents can best support them during the school year.

Dr. Kristin Olson discusses anxiety in young children, and offers ways parents and caregivers can help children manage it. Dr. Olson is a clinical psychologist at the Center for Child Development in Washington.

Attorney Orly Reznik of Reznik Law joins us to discus wills and estate planning, and why preparing for unforeseen events is so important for families with young children.

New York Times Best Selling Author and Founding Director of Lives in the Balance, Dr. Ross Greene, discusses strategies to support children with behavioral challenges. He talks about what factors contribute to outbursts and tantrums, and how cooperative problem solving can help prevent future explosions. Show Page - www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcastFacebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Mike is joined by Discovery Child Development Center Pre-K teacher Courtenay Garver and former school technology integration specialist, Ann Marie Dlott, to discuss how to use technology effectively at home. They chat about both the benefits, and the potential dangers when children interact with different forms of digital media. They also discuss characteristics of quality digital products. Show Notes: www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.comFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Authors Joanna Faber and Julie King join the podcast to discuss their new book, How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7. They share helpful tools to help parents communicate better with their children, and give practical advice for common challenges. Show Notes: www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

UNC Greensboro Professor Dr. Gabriela Stein and Discovery Child Development Center Director Dr. Alejandra Livas-Dlott are back on the podcast to discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of having students wait an additional year before entering kindergarten.Show Notes: http://www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.comFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Susan Kaiser Greenland, author of The Mindful Child and Mindful Games, visits the podcast to discuss introducing mindfulness to preschoolers. Topics discussed include the benefits of mindfulness, getting started, and sample exercises.Show Notes: http://www.discoverycdtech.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Dr. Erik Strunck, veterinarian and Grace Park Animal Hospital owner, visits the podcast to discuss pets in homes with preschoolers and toddlers. Topics covered include issues to consider before getting a pet, selecting the right pet, child and pet safety, and more.Show Notes: www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/preschoolandbeyondFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyondTwitter: @preschoolbeyond

Dr. Gabriela Stein returns to the podcast to discuss shyness in preschool children, and ways parents can support their social development.Show Notes: www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.comFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyondTwitter: @preschoolbeyond

Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, co-author of the New York Times bestsellers, No-Drama Discipline and The Whole-Brained Child, joins us to discusses the importance of approaching discipline from a teaching and learning perspective. Show Notes: www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcastFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyondTwitter: @preschoolbeyond

Tammy Herr of Flour Power Kids Cooking Studio in Cary, NC joins us to discuss involving children in meal preparation, and other food-related tips to help children develop healthy eating habits.Show Notes: www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcastTwitter: @preschoolbeyondFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Home organization specialist, Kara Curtis of First Daze and Nightzzz, is our guest this week to discuss how toy rotation can help keep your home more organized.

Melissa Stephenson, Preschool Teacher at Discovery Child Development in Morrisville, NC discusses ways to make the potty training process as smooth as possible for both the child and the parents.Show Notes:www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcast10Twitter: @preschoolbeyondFacebook:facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Jessica Jenkins Davis, Director of the Community School of Music at Meredith College, and their Suzuki Strings program, chats with Mike about how to introduce an instrument to your preschooler. Show Notes: www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcastTwitter: @preschoolbeyondFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Dr. Alejandra Livas-Dlott, Director of Discovery Child Development Center, chats with Mike about how to choose an elementary school for your child.Show Notes: www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcastTwitter: @preschoolbeyondFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

Pam Diamond of First Daze and Nightzzz, joins us to discuss ways that we can help our children develop healthy sleep habits.Twitter:@preschoolbeyondFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyondShow Notes:http://www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcast

Joanna Snyder of Lawrence Hall of Science at UC-Berkeley, joins us to talk about the importance of connecting children with nature, and she also provides tips on how your family can get started. Twitter: @preschoolbeyondFacebook: facebook.com/preschoolandbeyondShow Notes: http:/www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcast

Wake Academy Head of School Lissy Wood shares her experiences working with academically gifted children. Lissy and Mike cover the following topics * Identifying academically gifted children* Misconceptions about gifted children* Selecting a school to meet your child's needs* Fostering the natural curiosity of children* Asynchronous development* Connecting with other parents of AIG children

Dr. Alejandra Livas-Dlott discusses the importance of books, and offers strategies to help make reading engaging and fun for kids.

Dr. Gabriela Stein joins Mike to discuss strategies to help increase the likelihood that our children will listen to what we ask of them.

Pre-K Teacher Courtenay Garver joins the podcast to talk about ways to help foster independence in preschool children.Learn more at http://www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcast and www.facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond

In this episode preschool teacher, Kate Curran discusses ways to help make the transition to school as smooth as possible. Tips include:Keep goodbyes briefBe consistentDiscuss the positives of your child's day with themPay attention to your body languageThe Show and Tell for this week is to get outside and enjoy the outdoors with your child. Learn more about our show at http://www.discoverychilddevelopmentcenter.com/podcast. Also, become a fan of the show on our Facebook page facebook.com/preschoolandbeyond.